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Introduction to the Federal Bureaucracy

Learn about the role and functions of the federal bureaucracy in the US government. Understand its structure, responsibilities, and the challenges it faces.

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Introduction to the Federal Bureaucracy

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  1. Introduction to the Federal Bureaucracy Chapter 15, Theme A

  2. What did you learn? • In an organized fashion, tell me about 3 things you learned from Tuesday’s primary election. • This quick write is a 10-point daily grade.

  3. Agency Review Match the agency to its Jurisdiction. Workplace accidents Over-the-counter cold remedies recalls False advertising claims Clean Water Act violations Offensive content on TV Marijuana growing operations • EPA • OSHA • FDA • FCC • DEA • FTC

  4. Why study the bureaucracy as a separate institution? • The Bureaucracy does the day-to-day work of the federal government • No agency specifically mentioned in Constitution • Congress given the power to create & define • President appoints leaders to oversee w/ Senate adv. • Carry out laws made by Congress. These are often vague, so bureaucrats have a great deal of discretionary authority. • To understand the bureaucracy is to understand how the government operates & decisions are made.

  5. A bureaucracy is any large organization that has: Internal division of labor and specialization by function Employees recruited & promoted based on relevant expertise & merit Clear hierarchy (lines of authority) Established rules & SOPs Emphasis on establishing goals efficiently & effectively Examples include corporation, school systems & governments Defining the term

  6. The American Bureaucracy • Is a slave to all three branches • Congress makes laws, creates agencies, and has legislative oversight powers • President appoints heads of agencies (can remove in many cases thanks to Madison) & recommends budget for government • Supreme Court interprets laws and mediate disputes in implementation of laws by the bureaucracy

  7. The American Bureaucracy • Federalism causes overlap and similar bureaucratic agencies at the state and local level to exist: • US IRS • NC Dept. of Revenue • Currituck Co. Tax Department • Public perception is negative. • Wasteful • Oppressive • Slow

  8. The American Bureaucracy • The adversary culture has led to a scrutiny of every action of the bureaucracy. • Decisions are challenged in the courts • The media publicizes abuses as common • Privatization is American way but citizens demand regulation & oversight.

  9. The American Bureaucracy • Government by proxy has become the norm in the US. • Pros: Flexibility, embodiment of federalism • Cons: Wasteful, inefficient • Each branches is a bureaucracy unto themselves outside of the bureaucratic institution.

  10. Homeland Security

  11. Types of Departments and Agencies Federal Bureaucracy as an institution is composed of 5 components: • Executive Departments- Cabinet departments (15 of them) Secretaries work for the President & his agenda. • Independent Agencies- all heads are nominated by President, approved by Senate, but cannot be fired by President due to fixed terms. (CIA, FBI)

  12. Types of Departments and Agencies • Executive Agencies- refer to any dept. of gov’t that is created by Congress that is outside the Cabinet. President appoints and can remove head. (EPA, NASA) • Regulatory Commissions- charged with controlling nation’s business activities and economy. Has punishment powers (FCC, FTC) Set terms, independent of Cabinet. • Corporations- conduct business-like activities for gov’t because it wouldn’t be profitable for private industry (Post Office, TVA, Amtrak, FDIC) Appointments vary.

  13. Duties of the Bureaucracy • Implement policy & enforce laws • Ex: EPA carries out Clean Air Act • Regulate specific, defined areas • Ex: FAA inspects airlines for safety • Provide Information • Ex: USDA developed food pyramid • Data collection • Ex: Census Bureau collects demographics • Write rules, SOPs & regulations • Ex: FCC’s 7 word rule for public airwaves

  14. Limited Growth of Bureaucracy to 1900 • First major growth came with increasing population…What agency? Why? • Second wave of growth came after Civil War…What agency? Why? • Third wave came over the issue of industrialization…What agency? Why? • Still the bureaucracy was small: • Laissez-faire, States controlled most regulation, fear of discretionary authority, & SC said “no to regulatory purposes.”

  15. Growth of Bureaucracy Grown exponentially since the New Deal…Why? (Depression, Wars, 9/11) • Society more complex • Business regulation • Attitude towards social welfare • Attitude towards national security • Times change- new functions and responsibilities

  16. Assignment • Read pp. 414-424. Take notes by headings and focus on discretionary authority and other key concepts as to how the bureaucracy functions and implements policy today. • Due Tuesday! • Assign “You are the Bureaucrat” search. • Draw number • Use website and internet searches. • Due Thursday, March 26th!

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